Norway seeks deeper cooperation with China

For generations, the sea has shaped Norway's economy and identity, giving the country deep expertise in shipping, offshore industries and ocean technologies.

China, meanwhile, has emerged as a global industrial powerhouse, leading the world in shipbuilding and playing a major role in energy and advanced manufacturing.

As these industries become greener and smarter, demand is growing for new technologies and specialized expertise.

For Norway, this opens a new avenue for cooperation with China, bringing not only products, but also knowledge, technology and digital solutions developed through decades of experience in demanding ocean and energy industries.

That opportunity comes into focus this year at the China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS), where Norway is the Guest Country of Honor.

The event runs from September 9 to 13 in Beijing.

At its national pavilion, Norwegian companies showcase services and solutions focusing on green energy, digital technology, healthy living products and premium nutrition.

The ambition goes beyond selling individual products.

Henning Kristoffersen, commercial counsellor at the Norwegian Embassy in China and director of Innovation Norway China, said Norwegian companies hope to move from offering individual products to providing more comprehensive solutions, and from one-off transactions to long-term cooperation.

China is Norway's most important trading partner in Asia.

Kristoffersen said the two countries have complementary strengths in areas including maritime industries, energy and sustainable development, while the CIFTIS offers a platform for Norwegian companies to expand their business networks and build long-term partnerships.

Greener shipping For DNV, a Norwegian-founded risk management company, that cooperation has been taking shape for more than a century.

It has had a presence in China for nearly 140 years, and its relationship with China's maritime industry began with ship inspection and classification in 1888.

It provided independent technical assessments to help ensure that vessels meet required standards.